HC Deb 13 December 1976 vol 922 cc613-4W
Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of unemployed people currently draw unemployment benefit.

Mr. Deakins

The proportion of the total registered unemployed receiving unemployment benefit was 38.9 per cent, at 2nd August 1976 the latest date for which figures are available. A further 10.4 per cent, of the registered unemployed had not had their claims to unemployment benefit decided on that day.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the factors which have caused the proportion of unemployed people receiving benefit from the National Insurance Fund to be very much lower than had been expected, according to the Government Actuary, in Cmnd. Paper No. 6688.

Mr. Orme

The main factor causing the proportion of the unemployed receiving benefit from the National Insurance Fund to be very much lower than expected appears to be that the proportion not entitled to benefit because they do not satisfy the contribution conditions has been higher than has been allowed for. The reasons for this are being investigated.

Mr. Durant

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the amount of money being paid in unemployment benefit to those persons out of work under 25 years of age.

Mr. Deakins

I will circulate such information as is available in theOfficial Report as soon as possible.